Shannon Tweed Gives Gene the Boot, Winnipeg Gives Him a Key

Just
as Shannon Tweed is about to give Gene Simmons the boot on this season's Family Jewels on A&E, the city of
Winnipeg threw the KISS bassist a life raft. According to a report in the Winnipeg Free Press, Winnipeg mayor Sam
Katz has chosen to give Simmons a key to the city. No word what it actually
opens, but if last night's episode of the reality TV show is any indication, the musician could be
looking for new digs.

That wasn't really the criteria for the award; in fact, it appears that the
reason Simmons was chosen by Katz is he reminded him of himself. Both were born
in Israel - Simmons in Haifa, and Katz just south of there in Rehovot - to
Holocaust surviors before they were moved to North America as infants. In a
statement Katz praised the musician, in what might have been badly chosen words
at this particular point. "Gene has spent his life and career overcoming challenges and
creating success in business and family by remaining true to his roots and
values."

Regardless, he received the honor
today at 3:00 p.m. CST, prior to his talk at the city's Centennial
Concert Hall as part of his Rich & Famous speaking tour. The Icons
Uncensored event will feature a speech by the rock star and a Q&A session.
There will also be a meet and greet and a surprise guest, according to the
press release. No, we don't think that would be Ms Tweed.

Jaan Uhelszki was one of the founding editors at Detroit’s legendary Creem magazine. Since that time, her work has appeared in USA Today, Uncut, Rolling Stone, Spin, NME, Relix, and Guitar World. She is the only journalist to have ever performed in full makeup with Kiss. Luckily she only had to put…